When the Pressure’s On, Remember Your Purpose

What do you need to live a happy and contented life? 

When we think about our needs, money is usually top of the list. After all, we need to pay the bills! But when money is tight, that lack combined with working harder can cause excessive pressures. 

As the pressure builds, more problems can ensue. You may become anxious or nervous – not ideal when you need to perform well in a presentation or interview. You want to be the best to get that promotion or new job, and to earn more money, and those pressures impact your performance. 

Highly pressured situations often result in overwhelm, preventing you from thinking or seeing things clearly. That’s when taking deep breaths and reminding yourself of your Purpose is needed. Because rediscovering your purpose alleviates those pressures and helps you deal with the daily grind. 

From Inspiration to Motivation

First, try to remember what originally inspired you. Inspiration and motivation are both linked to Need, Want, Desire and Drive, which I wrote about here. 

Some people are inspired by influencers on Instagram, wanting what they’re selling (be careful, as some promote unhealthy and unattainable lifestyles). We may be inspired by high achievers, such as great leaders, inventors, sports heroes, or friends who have simple, fun, or comfortable lives.

To transform those inspirational feelings into motivation, consider what you need. Not surprisingly, need is the main driver of motivation – more so than want – because need evokes a stronger emotion than want. And that need is often money.

When I’m coaching people, either in one-to-ones or group sessions, my main question is: Why do you need money? The standard answer is to pay the bills. That’s important, of course. But that’s not a strong enough reason to motivate you when things get tough.   

Here’s the trick: Keep asking yourself why you need that money. Better still, ask someone else to do this exercise with you. Drill down into why you need that money – it must be more than just paying the bills. 

When the bills are paid, how will you feel? Less stressed? Knowing that everything is paid is a relief, but why is that important? For me, it’s feeling safe and secure. I’m creating security for my family. That feeling of safety means that not only is my stress relieved, but I can relax and be really present and in the moment with my family. That’s my true purpose – spending quality time with my family while making memories. Yours may well be similar! 

Money is a Vehicle to Purpose

The real purpose of money is to give you the head space to be present in whatever it is that makes you happy. 

Many people don’t like talking about money. But we have to accept that it’s a necessity. So, knowing what you truly need motivates you to get there. 

If you work in a team, you may want to be the best in your team. That want may well turn into a need that drives your motivation to be the best. Ask yourself this question: What’s the reason for needing to be the best? As with the money question, drill down into the answers. It could go something like this: 

• What’s the reason for needing to be the best? To look good in front of everyone. 

• Why is that important? To get a promotion and more money. 

• Is that all? No. To also feel accomplished and proud of myself. 

So, being the best in your team is not just about more money, but to feel a sense of achievement. That’s a far stronger motivation! 

Do You Want to be THE Best or YOUR Best?

This is a key question that links into your purpose. 

For me, I wanted to be the best in the Paralympic team. Then I realised that I wanted to be my best, not the best. That differential reduces any pressures and allows a more natural progression.

An attendee came up to me after a three-hour client workshop, saying: “I’ve been on many training sessions with my employer over the years, but this workshop was the most engaging, inspirational and interesting. Thank you!” 

What a moment! It proved that I was being my best. And yet I did nothing more than what I believe all trainers should do – ask questions and provide feedback. This man’s comment validated that I’m doing it right. I felt lighter! He motivated me to keep doing more.

Wanting to be your best rather than the best can be a game changer, especially if you don’t enjoy your work. Concentrating on your own achievements rather than trying to be someone you’re not helps reduce those pressures. Recognising that aspiring to be a manager or director rather than a CEO may help you become your best in that role. As you start to feel recognised, proud and fulfilled, you’ll enjoy work more.

“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tiptoe if you must, but take a step.” 

Naeem Callaway

Being your best enables you to be proud of yourself. There are bound to still be stressful times, but you’ll manage them better. The more you make it at work, the more you’ll enjoy it. That frees up head space to love your life and achieve your ultimate purpose. What could be better?!